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Forum Discussion

Bluffplace's avatar
Bluffplace
Aspirant
Dec 20, 2018

Ethernet Connections

I picked up an RBK23. On my FIOS cablemodem, I have 3 ethernet connections.  I am trying to avoid adding a switch and do not want to put the RBK23 in AP mode.  Can I still use the 3 ports on my cable...
Installation
ekhalil's avatar
ekhalil
Master
Dec 20, 2018
Bluffplace wrote:

......  Can I still use the 3 ports on my cable modem? 

......

Your ISP router (if bridged) provides you with -usually- one IP address, so you will not be able to use the other ports in the modem if you already use that IP address for Orbi

  • CrimpOn's avatar
    CrimpOn
    Guru - Experienced User
    Dec 21, 2018

    Maybe this is an appropriate time to ask why you do not want to put the Orbi in AP mode?  Does Orbi have "better" router functions than the FIOS router?  (People seem to complain incessantly about Orbi's shortcomings, and it appears that lots of people prefer to put their Orbi in AP mode.)  Are Orbi's router capabilities enough better that you will eat the cost of an inexpensive gigabit (unmanaged) switch?  (You can get a switch for under $20, and there are LOTS of choices for under $50.)

     

    Page 40 of the FIOS manual describes how to turn off the WiFi radios on it, which means it would not interfere with the Orbi.

    https://www.verizon.com/about/sites/default/files/fios-qgr-userguide140925.pdf

     

    I learn something new from every question that people ask on the Forum, so I'd like to understand your situation.